Size-dependent resistance to amoebic gill disease in naive Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Amoebic gill disease, caused by the protozoan ectoparasite Neoparamoeba perurans, remains a significant threat to commercial Atlantic salmon aquaculture operations worldwide. Anecdotal reports from commercial producers suggest that historically, smaller Atlantic salmon smolts are more susceptible to AGD than larger smolts. Cohorts of large (> 350 g) and small ( 350 g) to small smolts (< 200 g) to investigate potential gene expression differences resulting in AGD resistance.